All 14 Super Mario RPG Ranked

Super Mario RPG

Super Mario RPG games have carved out a unique niche within the broader Mario franchise, blending beloved characters with intricate RPG mechanics. Despite being occasionally viewed as experimental or divergent from the main series, these games have seen numerous releases over the years, each offering distinct elements that set them apart. Ranking these titles presents a challenge due to their diverse gameplay innovations and contributions to the RPG genre.

Table of Contents

Ranking Criteria and Exclusions

Before diving into the rankings, it’s essential to establish the criteria:

Remakes and remasters are excluded, focusing solely on original releases.
Camelot’s Mario sports titles featuring RPG elements are not considered part of the Mario RPG canon.
The Mario + Rabbids series, known for its RPG elements, is included in this ranking.

14. Paper Mario: Sticker Star

Paper Mario: Sticker Star introduces significant changes to the franchise by shifting focus away from traditional RPG elements towards combat and exploration. The game’s sticker collection system replaces conventional RPG leveling mechanics, resulting in gameplay that deviates from the series’ core identity. While visually appealing and enjoyable on handheld devices, it lacks the depth expected of a Mario RPG.

13. Paper Mario: Color Splash

Paper Mario: Color Splash showcases potential with its stunning visuals and witty writing, leveraging the Wii U’s touchpad for innovative gameplay. However, an overemphasis on combat sequences and tedious mechanics detracts from its overall enjoyment. The game’s departure from traditional RPG elements diminishes its appeal among fans seeking deeper gameplay experiences.

12. Paper Mario: The Origami King

Paper Mario: The Origami King attempts to innovate with an origami-inspired art style and RPG mechanics reminiscent of earlier titles. Despite its visual charm and exploration incentives, the game’s combat system receives criticism for its complexity and lack of substantial rewards. While ambitious in design, it falls short of capturing the essence of a classic Mario RPG.

11. Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam merges the Mario & Luigi and Paper Mario universes, offering a crossover that explores environmental exploration at the expense of gameplay depth. While it succeeds in delivering humorous moments and engaging combat, its narrative and overall coherence suffer from thematic inconsistencies. The game’s minigames add variety but detract from its storytelling cohesion.

10. Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle

Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle surprises with its blend of strategy and Mario charm, akin to an XCOM-style tactical experience. While lacking the depth of its sequel, it excels in integrating platforming elements and character abilities within strategic gameplay. Despite its initial skepticism, the game proves enjoyable for both Mario fans and strategy enthusiasts alike.

9. Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

Released during the Year of Luigi, Mario & Luigi: Dream Team explores Luigi’s dreams, offering unique gameplay mechanics and comedic storytelling. The game leverages the 3DS capabilities to manipulate Luigi’s dreams, though it occasionally struggles with repetitive gameplay elements. Despite its brevity, it remains a lighthearted addition to the Mario RPG series.

8. Super Paper Mario

Super Paper Mario diverges from traditional RPG mechanics, embracing real-time combat and platforming elements over turn-based gameplay. Its innovative level design and perspective-shifting mechanics showcase creativity but polarize fans expecting a more traditional RPG experience. Despite its departure from series norms, it earns recognition for its imaginative approach to Mario’s world.

7. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope improves upon its predecessor with expanded strategy options and refined gameplay mechanics. By removing grid-based combat and emphasizing strategic movement, the game enhances accessibility while maintaining the series’ charm. Despite its underrated status, it stands as a standout title on the Nintendo Switch.

6. Paper Mario

Paper Mario by Intelligent Systems revitalizes the Mario RPG formula with a unique paper aesthetic and engaging gameplay mechanics. Emphasizing puzzle-solving and exploration, it sets a precedent for future titles while offering a visually distinct experience. Despite its simplicity compared to other RPGs, it captures the essence of Mario’s world with vibrant visuals and accessible gameplay.

5. Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time

Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time explores time travel mechanics on the Nintendo DS, introducing dual-screen gameplay and challenging puzzles. Despite occasional complexity, the game excels in humor and strategic combat, leveraging its unique premise to expand upon the Mario & Luigi series’ narrative depth and creativity.

4. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga marks AlphaDream’s debut with humorous storytelling and engaging gameplay mechanics. While familiar in gameplay style, its narrative depth and comedic elements elevate it above standard RPG fare. The game’s accessibility and charm make it a beloved entry in the Mario RPG lineup.

3. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars by Squaresoft remains a landmark title, blending Mario’s charm with Squaresoft’s RPG expertise. Its innovative approach to storytelling and active combat set a standard for future Mario RPGs, showcasing a seamless integration of two gaming giants’ strengths.

2. Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story

Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story stands as AlphaDream’s masterpiece, refining dual-party gameplay and narrative depth. By allowing players to control Bowser and explore his perspective, the game delivers humor and surprises while maintaining strategic gameplay elements. It appeals to both RPG newcomers and veterans with its engaging story and inventive mechanics.

1. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door epitomizes the essence of a Super Mario RPG with its blend of storytelling, strategic combat, and visual style. Building upon its predecessor’s paper aesthetic, it introduces innovative gameplay mechanics and a captivating narrative. The game’s depth, character development, and inventive use of RPG elements set an unparalleled standard in the Mario RPG franchise.

Conclusion

The Super Mario RPG series continues to evolve, offering a range of experiences from strategic battles to inventive storytelling. Each title, from Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door to Sticker Star, contributes uniquely to the franchise’s legacy. Despite varying reception and innovation levels, these games captivate audiences with their charm and creativity.

As the Mario RPG series progresses, fans anticipate future installments that build upon the foundation set by these iconic titles. Whether revisiting classic entries or exploring new adventures, Mario RPGs remain a testament to the enduring appeal of merging beloved characters with engaging RPG mechanics.